The Condom Cliff

It's the point in a relationship when the condom stops being used.

Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of consenting adults say it's important to wear a condom every time, less than a third actually wear them consistently.

The following are the results of a comprehensive survey conducted among sexually active adults aged 18-34 in “new” relationships.

  • The condom cliff happens at about two months into a relationship. Among those with repeat partners, who use condoms inconsistently, 62% stop using condoms regularly by month two.
  • Over 80% of adults say condom use is important to them, yet of the 80%, only 35% say they always use a condom and 41% did not use a condom last time they had sex.
  • Those who do not always use condoms are more likely to have used Plan B or to have had an STI scare.
  • Of those who did not use a condom the last time they had sex, only 60% said they had a discussion about it first.
  • Only 21% say that they and their partner asked each other if they had been tested for STIs before they decided to not use a condom.
  • 25% of U.S. teenagers have an incurable STI by the time they are 19.

The reality is that the risks associated with engaging in unprotected sex do not diminish with the length of a relationship. And using condoms consistently is still the best, smartest, and safest way to protect yourself and your partner from unintended pregnancy and STIs.

The study also shows that many of the common perceptions about condoms are incorrect. For instance, as opposed to the idea that condoms can be a barrier to pleasure, many women report they are more likely to experience an orgasm when a condom is being used because it frees them from worry about getting pregnant unintentionally and/or contracting an STI.

With the latest condom technology allowing for so many variations and textures, many men are actually discovering that the right condom for them--whatever they decide that is--can enhance sexual experiences.

Source:  Trojan™ Condom Compliance Survey, 2014.